The Saratoga Sun -

BLM adds fire restrictions

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced Tuesday it declared stage 1 fire restrictions for BLM lands in Carbon County.

The move to enact fire restrictions follows that of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), which last week declared lands in the Medicine Bow National Forest in Carbon and Albany counties under stage 1 fire restrictions.

The fire restrictions are necessary to prevent wildfires, the BLM said in a news release. The risk for fire is currently elevated because of current and predicted weather conditions, as well as dry vegetation.

As part of the stage 1 fire restrictions, the BLM will begin enforcing restrictions on fires, except those in fire grates in developed recreation areas, those within enclosed stoves with quarter-inch spark arrestor screens, those in fully-enclosed grills or in gas stoves.

Smoking is also prohibited anywhere but in an enclosed building or vehicle, according to the release.

The use of tools is also curtailed under the restriction. Chainsaws must have an SAE or USDA approved spark arrestor, and it is prohibited to use a welder or torch unless in a cleared area with a diameter of 10 feet. Anyone using a chainsaw, welder or torch must also have a fire extinguisher of at least 8-ounce capacity on hand, the release said.

Fireworks are prohibited year-round on BLM land, the agency said.

According to the BLM, those who violate the restrictions can be charged with criminal violations, and anyone found responsible for starting a fire can be held liable for the cost of fighting the fire.